News - Crystal Classics Collection Aquisitions

27 November 2014

The George Farr Northern English Mineral Collection

Fluorite, Hilton Mine. The Farr Collection

Beginning his collecting in earnest during the 1940s, George Farr, a Dentist out of Hexham, Northumberland, built his collection from the district of Weardale during its mining heyday, collecting and purchasing fine mineral specimens direct from the mines themselves. Around this area, he earned a reputation with the quarry and mine owners for seeking out the best examples of Fluorite for his fine collection. But while Fluorite was his primary focus, Farr also collected notable specimens from The caldbeck fells including an impressive number of fine Campylites and Pyromorphites.

What George Farr may not have realised when he started his collection was that he would amass one of the finest collections of Northern English mineral specimens, second only to the great Arthur Russell.

Flourite, Heights Pastures. The Farr Collection

Now with Crystal Classics, the 3,000 plus fine mineral specimens will undergo extensive preparation that is estimated to take a number of months to complete. However, a small number of choice specimens have been prepared and will be showcased for the first time during the Crystal Classics Open Day.

The Nick Carruth Cornwall and Devonshire Mineral Collection

Wood Tin, Lee Moor China Clay Pit. Carruth Collection

One of the most highly regarded mineral dealers in the UK, Nick Carruth, a Scottish native, has spent more than forty years in the field and at shows, adding exceptional specimens from all around Devon and Cornwall to his extensive collection.

Fluorite and Galena, south Wheal Tamar. Carruth Collection

Nick's collection is one of the few remaining great Cornish collections in private hands and we are delighted to be able to offer a fine selection at our Open day this week.

The Forth Systematic Collection

With over 2,000 species represented, the Forth collection is an exciting addition to Crystal Classics. While a great many rare species exist as ugly masses, the Forth collection comprises of great examples of rare mineral species.

The Tyer collection

Amassed over the last 50 years, the Tyer collection comprises of a mix of fine mineral species from around the world. This collection will be available over the next few months with a number of specimens premiering on the Crystal Classics Website.